UK releases 2016 ethanol data, REA calls for enforcement of E10

The U.K. Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has released updated energy data, reporting that that ethanol accounted for 4.4 percent of gasoline and biodiesel accounted for 2.4 percent of diesel in 2016. Overall, biofuels accounted for 3.1 percent of total transportation fuel.

Consumption of ethanol in the U.K. fell to 759 million liters (200.51 million gallons) last year, down 4.5 percent from the previous year.

Production capacity was estimated to be approximately 910 million liters, with actual production estimated to be 468 million liters. Approximately 219 million liters were used for non-transportation applications or exported. Ethanol imports for the year were estimated to be at least 509 million liters.

The U.K. Renewable Energy Association has spoken out in response to the data, noting it shows the use of biofuels has been stagnant in the U.K. since 2013.

According to the REA, the U.K. government is currently considering enforcing E10. The organization also said the U.K.’s biofuel industry employs more than 10,000, with more than £1 billion ($1.3 billion) already invested in existing production facilities. The REA said some of these facilities could close if the government introduces a damaging “crop cap” that is too strict.

“This data shows that the volume of renewable biofuel used in the U.K. has stagnated,” said James Court, head of policy and external affairs at the REA. “There has been no significant growth in the use of biofuel since 2013, yet it is crucial if we are to meet our fast-approaching 2020 renewable energy targets. The government should immediately enforce E10 which would compel fuel suppliers to use 10 per cent renewable petrol in the mix. More renewable petrol would support the nation’s farmers and growers and would have an immediate and positive impact on carbon emissions and urban air quality.”